Gated Communities Charlottesville VA

$1,060,000 Active

2481 Pendower Ln Keswick, Virginia

4 Beds 3 Baths 5,426 SqFt 0.34 Acres

$1,395,000 Active

3161 Prestwick Pl Keswick, Virginia

5 Beds 5 Baths 6,997 SqFt 0.52 Acres

$1,395,000 Active

3605 Turnbridge Ln Keswick, Virginia

4 Beds 4 Baths 4,975 SqFt 0.72 Acres

$5,595,000 Active

2863 Palmer Dr Keswick, Virginia

4 Beds 5 Baths 5,766 SqFt 5.01 Acres

Living Large: The Most Exclusive Charlottesville Gated Communities

Hello, I’m Toby Beavers, your Charlottesville-area real estate guide since 2003, and today I’d like to walk you through the world of gated communities around  Charlottesville and Albemarle County, especially the standout enclaves that combine privacy, amenities, and that “mountains-meets-town” rhythm our buyers so often ask for.

I’ll cover homes for sale in five of the most desirable: Far Hills (Ivy), Farmington, Walnut Hill (Earlysville), The Club at Glenmore (Keswick), and Keswick Estate (on the grounds of Keswick Hall). If you’re looking for upscale living with access to resort-style amenities, these communities are worth your time.

Far Hills (Ivy)

Tucked into the rolling terrain of the Ivy area just west of Charlottesville, Far Hills offers the kind of “country private, close-to-town” lifestyle that many relocating families and professionals seek. The larger Ivy real estate region is celebrated for its mountain views, horse farms and historic estates. While there are no amenities in Far Hills (many of the gated lots are custom homesites), here are some of the highlights you’ll find:

• Multi-acre home sites that preserve the wooded, pastoral feel of the area – which is rare so close to town.
• Access to private trails and outdoor recreation within the neighborhood footprint.
• The proximity factor: despite a private feel, Far Hills is only minutes from Charlottesville’s amenities and major routes.
• A lifestyle that appeals to horse-owners, nature lovers and buyers who value privacy and luxury.

In summary: Far Hills is for someone who wants the estate-type feel, the privacy of a gated setting, and still the convenience of Charlottesville on tap. See 20 Reasons To Love Living in Ivy VA & Toby Beavers Realtor Guide

Farmington and Farmington Country Club

One of the more storied private clubs/gated enclaves in the Charlottesville area is Farmington. Located just west of Charlottesville, it presents a high bar for amenities and lifestyle.
Here’s what makes Farmington standout:

• The centerpiece is the private clubhouse/country‐club, which offers 27 holes of golf, a full tennis facility (15 outdoor + 3 indoor courts) and a zero-depth entry pool along with an 8,000 sq ft fitness center.
• The homes tend to be large estates, often with views of the golf course or the Blue Ridge Mountains, which gives them both aesthetic and investment appeal.
• The setting is historic and established – you’re not just buying a new subdivision, you’re buying into a mature community with roots.
• Because of the amenities, the lifestyle here is very “club + home” – for buyers who want it all: sport, social, scenery.

If you are drawn to gated living and want a full suite of amenities (especially if golf or tennis are in your plans), Farmington should definitely be on your radar.

Walnut Hill (Earlysville)

For buyers intrigued by a more suburban-yet-luxury setting north of Charlottesville, Walnut Hill in Earlysville delivers strong community amenities, gated access, and more affordable entry (relatively speaking) compared to some of the ultra-luxury estates. Here’s what I appreciate:

• Residents of Walnut Hill have access to community amenities including a clubhouse, pool, tennis courts, playground, exercise room, lake and walking trails.
• The setting offers a nice blend of lifestyle: quiet and somewhat secluded, but still within reach of the city for work, schools and leisure.
• For families, Walnut Hill presents a compelling option: you get community-oriented amenities, gated/semi-gated privacy, and good value.
• While not as ultra-exclusive as some estates, it still offers that “managed community” feel, with walking trails, gathering spaces and family-friendly infrastructure.

In short: If your priority is a gated community with strong amenities, but you don’t want to jump into the ultra-estate price tier, Walnut Hill is a very smart pick. See 15 Reasons To Move To Earlysville VA & Toby Beavers Realtor Guide

The Club at Glenmore (Keswick)

Heading a little east (and a little more upscale) you’ll find The Club at Glenmore in Keswick – a true amenity-rich community built for those who want resort-style living in a private setting. From what I’ve seen and what the documentation supports:

• The Club boasts an 18-hole golf course that is scenic and challenging – one of the stand-outs in Central Virginia.
• Beyond golf: aquatics (pools), racquet sports (tennis/pickleball), fitness, dining & social venues.
• Youth programs, family-friendly social events, and the overall feel of a year-round club lifestyle.
• Homes in the Glenmore estate setting often back to nature or trail systems, offering a very elevated lifestyle.

For clients who want the “country club at home” experience and are comfortable with the pricing of membership + lots + custom homes, Glenmore is tough to beat.

Keswick Estate (on the grounds of the luxury Keswick Hall Resort)

Finally, if you’re looking at the premium end of the spectrum, the Keswick Estate on the grounds of Keswick Hall offers a unique lifestyle that blends luxury real estate, resort amenities and exclusivity. Some key notes:

• The property leverages the amenities of the adjacent luxury resort Keswick Hall: full spa, fitness, tennis, infinity pool, fine dining by chef-Jean-Georges, etc. (Keswick Hall)
• If you live in the estate, you’re buying into not just a gated home but a lifestyle integrated with a leading luxury resort environment – views, service, premium finishes.
• The setting – Keswick, vineyards, hills – is top-tier for Virginia, and for many buyers it represents something lifetime-worthy.
• From a market perspective, these homes demand strong price points and buyer commitment, but the upside in terms of lifestyle and prestige is significant.

If your client says “I want the best – the home + the clubhouse + the view + the resort vibe”, then Keswick Estate is absolutely in play.

Why these communities matter & what to consider

Over my two+ decades in Charlottesville luxury real estate, I’ve seen gated communities evolve from novelty to prime search-criteria. Why? Because they offer a particular set of benefits:

• Privacy & security: gates, controlled access, often fewer through-traffic vehicles.
• Amenities & lifestyle: many of these communities bundle in golf, tennis, swimming, fitness, walking trails, clubhouses – so you’re buying more than a home, you’re buying a package.
• Value and prestige: The right gated community can protect the environment around your home (landscaping, lot sizes, views), which helps value hold up.
• Community coherence: When lots and homes are large, set back, and the community is planned, you often get neighbors who have similar expectations, which makes for smoother living.

But, there are things you and your clients must weigh:

• Costs: membership dues, HOA fees, potentially higher build or lot costs.
• Rules & restrictions: gated communities often come with covenants, design review committees, restrictions on change/additions.
• Maintenance of amenities: the more amenities, the more upkeep. Buyers should evaluate how the community manages reserves, how active the HOA/club is.
• Resale dynamics: A gated lifestyle appeals to a certain buyer segment. If that segment shifts or amenities aren’t maintained, resale could lag.
• Location & commute: Even though many of these communities are close to Charlottesville, the premium pays for space and privacy – commuting still matters.

My overall takeaway

If I were advising a home-buyer today in Charlottesville who values gated community life, I’d say: identify your lifestyle priority first (Is it sport/golf? family amenities? luxury resort living?) and then pick the gated community whose amenities align with that. For example:

• Want large estate lots, country views, multi-acre privacy? Consider Far Hills.
• Want full country-club golf/tennis/swimming close to town? Farmington fits.
• Want gated, family-friendly, amenity-rich but not ultra‐luxury? Walnut Hill is smart.
• Want resort-style club lifestyle with golf + fitness + social? Club at Glenmore.
• Want the top tier: estate living integrated with a world-class resort? Keswick Estate.

As a savvy realtor in Albemarle County VA since 2003, I’m happy to provide tours, compare lot costs vs build costs vs resale history in each, and help you map lifestyle to budget.

Give me a call when you’re ready and we’ll explore which gated Charlottesville neighborhoods fits you best.

Toby Beavers, a Charlottesville luxury real estate agent since 2003, may be reached by text or phone at 434-327-2999